BUILDERS have begun stripping First Choice in Stroud in preparation for Starbucks to open its new store.

The SNJ understands the global coffee chain is poised to build a new shop in the empty unit when the travel agents is fully vacated.

Starbucks has remained silent when approached by the SNJ to confirm or deny the move.

But it is thought the American giant will create a two-storey shop at the entrance to Merrywalks Shopping Centre on King Street.

This would be homed in the two buildings currently occupied by First Choice and an empty premises next door.

Last week a ‘We’re Moving’ sign went up in the travel agents window informing customers it would be relocating to Gloucester.

Then on Monday, builders working on behalf of First Choice moved in and began stripping the vacant store, moving out furniture, taking down signs and taking up the floor and fittings.

The SNJ understands Starbucks will knock down the partitioning wall between the two empty shops to create one large premises.

When built, it would be one of 15 coffee shops in the town centre.

The popular brand would also be homed just metres from the town’s latest addition, Coffee#1.

The franchise’s rival Costa also sits just 160 metres away top of the High Street.

A planning application to create a business that sells hot food and drinks was approved by Stroud District Council in January this year. There is no suggestion planners knew the unit would be used by Starbucks.

It still cannot yet be confirmed whether this application is on behalf of the American coffee company. The approval does not specify an end user.

The plans include two entrances; one from King Street and another from inside the covered shopping centre.

First Choice will now be located at 34 Eastgate Street in Gloucester. The SNJ has approached First Choice to comment on the move.